Tritium uptake and elimination by tissue-bound and body-water components in crickets (Acheta domesticus)

Tritium concentration ratios of less than unity (0·19) were determined for adult crickets which were at equilibrium for that particular instar with a tritium tagged food source. This phenomenon is interpreted as meaning that simple diffusion-equilibrium assumptions are not adequate for describing tritium movement in food chains when true equilibrium conditions are not met. Additional factors, such as rates of tritium assimilation and turnover for tissue-bound and body-water fractions, food habits, and duration of developmental stages must be considered along with environmental tritium concentrations in determining food chain transfers of this radionuclide.